From the Magazine: Beyond the hype of EVs and ADAS

What jobbers and shops need to know now about these emerging technologies

Electric vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems dominate headlines. But for most aftermarket businesses, headlines don’t pay the bills. Service bays and stocked shelves do.

For Canadian jobbers and repair shops, the question isn’t whether EVs and ADAS are coming. They’re already here. The smarter question is: Are they worth acting on now? And if so, how?

As we look beyond the hype of these technologies, let’s explore how to evaluate real opportunities behind the buzz and build a smart, staged plan to engage these two fast-evolving segments.

EVs: A slow burn, not a sudden shift

The Canadian EV market continues to grow, but adoption is uneven across provinces, and many independent repair shops still see limited EV volume. While government targets and incentives did accelerate interest, EVs currently make up fewer than than 10 per cent of vehicles on Canadian roads.

This means opportunity, not urgency.

Start with data, not assumptions

Before expanding your EV inventory, assess the vehicle mix in your market. Use VIN-level data or shop feedback to track EV traffic in your area.

If there aren’t Teslas, Bolts, or Ioniqs on the lift, there’s no need to overstock high-voltage parts.

Think parts and people

EV service isn’t just about parts. It requires different training and safety protocols. Jobbers can add value by connecting shops with certified EV training programs or helping source EV-safe tools and PPE.

This support helps shops feel more confident offering EV services and builds loyalty.

Don’t forget hybrids

In many regions, hybrids still outnumber full EVs. Hybrids often share platforms with their ICE counterparts and offer a practical entry point for shops to get comfortable with electrified systems.

Distributors should consider hybrid maintenance parts as a strategic bridge to the EV market.

Caution: Overcommitting too soon

Avoid tying up cash flow in slow-moving specialty SKUs or diagnostic gear if your customer base isn’t ready. EV strategy should be phased, with each investment aligned to observed demand, not industry hype.

Focus on quality, availability, and value-added support like technician training or diagnostics tools. It’s not about chasing what’s next — it’s about serving what’s here, reliably.

ADAS: A more immediate disruption

Unlike EVs, ADAS technology is showing up everywhere. From lane departure alerts to adaptive cruise control, these systems are becoming standard. They affect collision repairs, windshield replacements, alignment and more.

Understand the calibration challenge

Shops are discovering that even simple repairs can trigger the need for ADAS recalibration. Without the right tools, training or space, many are forced to send the vehicle elsewhere. This disrupts workflow and cuts revenue.

Jobbers can step in by educating shops on when calibration is required and what’s needed to do it in-house.

Know what shops are up against

Proper calibration often requires long bays, level floors and specialized targets — things many shops lack. Liability concerns also make some hesitant to touch ADAS at all.

Jobbers can help by offering training resources, consulting on workflow changes and connecting shops with trusted mobile calibration providers.

Opportunity signals to watch

If you’re seeing these signs, it may be time to act:

• Shops turning away late-model vehicles due to ADAS
• Increased customer callbacks after basic repairs
• Technicians unsure of when or how to calibrate

ADAS represents a real opportunity, especially for those who move early with the right partnerships and tools. But success comes from supporting customers with practical solutions, not just new products. Move with purpose, not pressure.

Building a playbook for what’s next

Here’s how jobbers and shops can approach EVs and ADAS with confidence, not chaos:

1. Assess your local market: No two regions are the same. Start with shop feedback, vehicle parc, and repair trends.
2. Identify early adopters: Some customers are already exploring EV or ADAS work. Support them first. Their success becomes a blueprint for others.
3. Invest in education before inventory: Training is a safer early investment than slow-moving parts or costly equipment.
4. Test, learn, scale: Run small pilots. Try new SKUs or services with select accounts. Evaluate outcomes before expanding.
5. Be the translator: There’s a lot of noise in the market, and every level of the supply chain is looking upstream for clarity. Your role isn’t just to sell — it’s to guide.

Conclusion

EVs and ADAS aren’t just new technologies. They’re new business models. The key isn’t to panic or pivot overnight, but to plan with intention and start building capability where it matters most. That begins with listening to your market, identifying real demand, and supporting customers through training, tools, and smart partnerships.

Those who move with focus and purpose, rather than urgency, will be best positioned to lead the next chapter of Canada’s aftermarket.

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Meagan Moody is the founder of The Moody Blueprint, a strategy and business development consultancy focused on the automotive aftermarket. With over 15 years of experience — including executive leadership at a global supplier — she brings a practical, growth-minded approach to helping distributors and manufacturers stay ahead of change

This article originally appeared in the July issue of Jobber News